The Palace of Constantine. Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna. Konstantinovsky Palace: excursions

The Palace of Constantine is an architectural monument of the XVIII century. The complex is located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland. It is a palace and park ensemble.

General information

The complex is located in Strelna. Since 2003, he was given a new name. It became a state complex, which is called the "Palace of Congresses". The architectural ensemble is located on the rivers Kikenka and Strelka. From the center of St. Petersburg to the ensemble - only 19 kilometers.

Historical information. Occurrence

Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna was built in the XVIII-XIX centuries. The Russian imperial family owned the estate until 1917. Peter the Great was her first master. By the end of the 18th century this place had become a private grand duchy. Later, Paul I granted the manor his second son. The Grand Duke gave her the name that the park and the great Konstantinovsky Palace have been preserved to this day.

Further development

The place where it would be possible to build a grand imperial residence, Peter I watched for a long time. In his design, it was supposed to surpass the famous Versailles. This decision the monarch took back in 1709. Later, a project was considered, which was made by the Roman architect Sebastian Cipriani. However, it turned out to be rather complicated for execution. Further, agreements were signed with two famous architects. One of them was the French master J.-B. Leblon, and the other - Bartolomeo Carlo Rastrelli. The first won the tender for the right to implement the project. But soon Leblond died. Design was entrusted to the shoulders of architect Niccolo Michetti. The Palace of Constantine became the main part of the whole complex. It was laid in accordance with the project of the architect.

The emergence of difficulties

The aim of the whole project was to surpass all European palace and park ensembles. To do this, it was necessary to establish day-to-day functioning of fountains and providing mechanisms. They had to work continuously for several months. At the same time, it was necessary to maintain an appropriate water level in the storage tank. Suddenly, a host of accompanying problems. Because of them, the question arose about the expediency of erecting a residence in Strelna. The uninterrupted functioning of the fountains required a corresponding rise in water. This mark was about ten meters above sea level. Such a decision would inevitably lead to the flooding of the basins of the two rivers - Kikenka and Strelka. Also in danger were the surrounding areas, which were located to the south of the Peterhof road. The total flooding area could be truly enormous. Special hydraulic structures could solve this problem. However, their cost was too high. In addition, the continuation of the work was simply inexpedient. To the west of Strelna there was an ideal landscape, created by nature itself and capable of providing round-the-clock water supply. The talented hydraulic engineering engineer B. Minikh had to do a tremendous job. He managed to prove the impossibility of fulfilling the tsar's plan in this place with the help of his calculations. As a result, the engineer had to go against the will of the monarch. The construction was moved to Peterhof. It was only after the death of Paul 1 that all works were finally stopped here.

Construction in the second half of the XVIII century

Architect Rastrelli was responsible for the reconstruction of the ensemble in 1750. The palace was redeveloped. The eastern wing has got a large front staircase. Nevertheless, construction work was not completed. By the end of the century, the estate finally ceased to be considered imperial possessions. Just at this time, her master was Konstantin Pavlovich (son of Paul 1).

Functioning in the XIX century

Later, the interiors of the palace were again redone. The interior was decorated in antique style. After the fire in 1803, L. Ruska and Voronikhin began to work on the decor of the ensemble. The belvedere superstructure was made. The front enfilade appeared on the mezzanine. The complex could boast a rich picturesque decoration. For its creation, the craftsmen J. Ferrari and F. A. Shcherbakov answered. The next reconstruction was carried out already under the decree of the new owner. Konstantin Nikolayevich invited other masters - A. I. Shtakenshneider and H. F. Meyer. Facades have got balconies and bay windows. The design of private rooms belonged to the style of eclecticism. The house church was built right in the palace. Later, only the family of Konstantin Konstantinovich lived here. As a rule, she stayed here for the summer and autumn periods. The actual owner of the ensemble was Dmitri Konstantinovich - the brother of Constantine. Private apartments belonging to the Greek queen, also were in this palace. Olga Konstantinovna lived here after the death of her husband.

The fate of the complex in the XX century

The first Strelna school-colony was placed in the palace after the end of the October Revolution. Later, a sanatorium was opened here. Then there were organized courses to improve the skills of the Navy. During the Great Patriotic War, the Palace of Constantine was practically destroyed. All that is left of the ensemble building is a stone frame. Later the palace was partially restored. It housed naval departments, radio technical and geophysical offices, libraries of the Arctic School. Later, the last institution was closed. In the 90 years the complex actually turned into an abandoned building. The palace was on the verge of destruction.

Reconstruction works

Later the palace was in the custody of the Presidential Affairs Department. The complex included the palace and the surrounding area. Its area was about one hundred forty hectares. After this, large-scale construction and reconstruction works started. This is largely contributed to the old drawings. With the help of them, the interiors of the palace and its facades were restored. The canal system and the park were also reconstructed. The main goal of the construction was to provide state-level receptions. With the help of hydraulic engineers, the channels of the reservoirs were deepened. Now reception of river vessels and yachts was possible. Fountains and bridges began to function. Previously, they existed only in projects. The complex was equipped with three drawbridges. The fountains that appeared in the park were conceived by the Emperor himself.

Creation of a "consular village"

It was built near the palace. The village is on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. It consists of twenty two-story cottages. The hotel was opened under the name "The Baltic Star". It is a five-star hotel complex, which is stylized as an old Russian mansion. The building of the former yacht club has become a modern press center. It is equipped with satellite communications. The administrative building of the complex is located on the site of the former royal stables. In 2003, the grand opening of the palace took place. The complex has a tour desk. It was built in 2006.

Konstantinovsky Palace. Excursions

Revived plan of the great Peter

For tourists it is supposed to inspect the living rooms and ceremonial halls of the Konstantinovsky Palace. The participants of the event will have a fascinating story about the history of the complex. On the tour you can learn about the life of the owners of the ensemble, about the period of destruction and decay, about carrying out large-scale works on construction and reconstruction. Information on the current realities of the Palais des Congrès will also be provided. The group is recruited up to fifteen people. The total cost of the ticket is from three hundred rubles. There are benefits.

Century present and century past

It is planned to inspect the enfilade of the living rooms and the ceremonial halls of the Konstantinovsky Palace. During the tour the official presidential apartments will also be shown. In an informal setting, the halls for meetings will be inspected. The participants of the excursion will be able to get a full picture of the history of the complex and learn much about its modern functioning. The group is recruited up to fifteen people. The total cost of the ticket is from three hundred and thirty rubles. Benefits are not provided.

Masterpieces of the Konstantinovsky Palace

It is supposed to inspect the selected and most valuable works of Russian painting. The participants of the excursion will be able to learn a lot about the subjects of arts and crafts and graphics. They were collected by ML Rostropovich and GP Vishnevskaya. Guests will be able to see the main architectural masterpieces of the complex, namely its magnificent halls. The group is recruited up to fifteen people. The total cost of the ticket is from three hundred and fifty rubles. Benefits are not provided.

Secrets, which stores St. Petersburg

The Konstantinovsky Palace is a repository of selected objects that were discovered during the reconstruction of the Naryshkin possessions. This happened in 2012 on Tchaikovsky Street. Items found in the mansion are called the "treasure of the century". It is truly unique. More than two thousand silver items were discovered, which were made in the late 19th century by some of the best jewelers of the most famous companies in Russia and Europe. The treasure consists of the following items:

1. Sets of dishes. Practically complete sets.
2. Honors and awards. Preserved perfectly.
3. Various ornaments.
4. Objects of arts and crafts.
5. Tea and dinner sets.

The group is recruited up to fifteen people. The total cost of the ticket is from three hundred and fifty rubles. Benefits are not provided.

Quest game "Find a treasure"

This event will be interesting for both children and parents. The group will have to look for "imperial treasures." All participants of the game will be acquainted with the history of the complex. Also, the guide will talk about the modern functioning of the "Palace of Congresses." Plots of wall panels and paintings are encrypted. They are something to solve treasure hunters and pathfinders. For example, you will need to solve a crossword on the topic related to the life of ancient heroes and gods. Participants have to perform many interesting tasks. Each participant will be able to demonstrate the ability to work in a team, the speed of reaction and savvy. A group of up to ten people is recruited. The tour lasts an hour and a half. Visitors can also buy individual tickets at the ticket office. The Konstantinovsky Palace, whose working hours are from 10 to 16 hours, is open all days, except Wednesday.

Additional services

One of the main events in life is a wedding. In the Konstantinovsky Palace all conditions for the wedding ceremony were created. Newlyweds can choose a banquet hall, ordering almost any decoration. If the wedding is supposed to be few guests, then we can consider the option of holding it in one of the elite cottages located on the territory of the architectural ensemble. In addition to the basic, an additional set of services is offered. In particular, you can order a cake, filming, rent a car.

Strelna. Konstantinovsky Palace. How to get to the complex

There is an architectural ensemble along the Peterhof road. The fastest way to get there is by shuttle bus. You need to sit at the station. M. "Avtovo" on any route to Peterhof. They all pass by the village where the Konstantinovsky Palace is located. Address of the complex: Berezovaya al., 3. You can also reach the complex from the station. M. "Baltiyskaya" (m. 404), "Pr-t Veteranov" (№ 392, 850, 343), "Leninsky Prospect" (№ 420 and 103). Also at Art. M. "Avtovo" you can take the tram number 36. The final stop of this route in the village where the Constantine Palace is located. How to get back, you can ask the driver.